Media Partners

School District Partners

 Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Fashion Bug Rochester

Staples

John Hardy's Bar-B-Q

Dairy Queen South

RUNNING START FOR SCHOOL

3,377 students received school supplies this year through United Way's Running Start for School.

That's a 29% increase over last year! 

Thanks to all our donors, volunteers and community partners who made this year so successful.

Purpose

A new school year means buying new school supplies, but for lower-income families buying new school supplies may be wishful thinking. United Way of Olmsted County understands that a child's triumph in school today leads to a better tomorrow for our community. By giving children school supplies, we're giving children a running start for school and a hopeful start towards a brighter future.

⇒Are you eligible for free school supplies through Running Start or see what supplies are in the Back to School Kits? Click here.

 ⇒Want to help collect supplies or volunteer? Click here

How It Works

Individuals or groups collect school supplies and drop them off at United Way of Olmsted County in Rochester at the beginning of August. The school supplies are sorted then distributed to students in late August. For more information about Running Start, take a look at our Quick Facts Sheet (Leer en español).

 Supplies Needed

As always, we need lots of backpacks to help support our Running Start initiative, but below are some other items that are most in need this year:

• Backpacks
• 2-pocket folders
• Spiral notebooks
• #2 Pencils
• Glue sticks
• Block erasers

Major Sponsors

Running Start for School would not be able to help thousands of children without the help of our sponsors and partners who take giving to the next level. United Way's goal is to put children on a more level starting ground for success and these businesses, groups, and organizations see the importance of sharing in our goal. Major sponsor partners include Cumulus Broadcasting (KYBA-FM Y105), ABC-6 News (KAAL), The Caring Tree, Walmart, Rochester Community and Technical College, Kwik Trip, Cold Stone Creamery, John Hardy's BBQ, Dairy Queen South, Byron District School, Stewartville District School, and Rochester Public Schools.

For more information, questions or comments, contact:

Running Start for School Coordinator
United Way of Olmsted County
903 West Center Street, Suite 100
Rochester, MN 55902
Direct number: (507) 287-1958
runningstart@uwolmsted.org